Graphene incorporated into traditional cement production

Graphene, which is stronger and more water resistant than existing concretes, allows cement to be produced with much lower emissions.

Graphene refers to the one atom-thick latticed carbon material that’s been exciting scientists with its potential for more than a decade.

Scientists at Exeter University have created a new technique that focuses on suspending atomically thin graphene in water. The process is low in cost, has few defects in the end product, and is compatible with current large scale manufacturing requirements.

“This ground-breaking research is important as it can be applied to large-scale manufacturing and construction," states Dimitar Dimov, lead author of the report. "The industry has to be modernised by incorporating not only off-site manufacturing, but innovative new materials as well."

Previous work on using nanotechnology has concentrated on modifying existing components of cement, one of the main elements of concrete production.